Thinking of going Class D

[telemike]

My current amplifier is a Marantz PM-15 S2 limited edition. I am using it with Klipsch Forte IV speakers that are 99db efficient.

I'm thinking of using my Wiim Pro Plus with CD and Phono preamp going into the Wiim. I would use my Topping E30 DAC as a preamp into a Topping PA 5II, SMS:L Raw HA1 or Fosi V3 monoblocks.

Am I crazy to do this?

 

[dpturner]

why?

 

[Chagall]

Am I crazy to do this?

Yes

 

[jeffaegrim]

The Marantz seems like a nice amp. I’d definitely much rather own/use the Marantz than the Fosi monos. What do you expect to achieve by changing amps?

FWIW, I’d recommend staying away from Fosi and getting a nc252mp based amp, if you absolutely must give class D amplification a try. I drive my 95db sensitive speakers with one from Audiophonics - they are amazing.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

It feels to me like a significant step backward, but I suppose that's my old-school perspective.'

That said, it does seem like you have a high-quality amplifier, so there’s not much to be gained by replacing it with something else.

 

[telemike]

I was just pondering options, I will probably not make any changes. The amp does weight 41 lbs

 

[Purité Audio]

But I guess you aren’t using it as part of a portable hi-fi.
Keith

 

[Chagall]

I was just pondering options, I will probably not make any changes. The amp does weight 41 lbs

If you aren't happy with the sound:
1. add sub
2. add room correction
3. change speakers, although 99dB efficient speakers are hard to find

 

[ehabheikal]

Good plan

 

[JeremyFife]

Change if you feel like playing, although I don't see why you want two DACs (WiiM and Topping). Won't sound any better (or worse)

I wouldn't.

FWIW, the Marantz looks great!

 

[pieterv1]

The new 3E A5 and A7 class D offerings seem to be in a class of their own (no pun intended), however, some people are having issues with the auto-on sensitivity being too low for their specific use cases.

 

[voodooless]

Klipsch Forte IV speakers that are 99db efficient

Only in the Klipsch universe. In the real world they are barely 95 dB. Still respectable, but might be something to consider when choosing an amp, because it means you’ll need 2.5x the power vs 99 dB speakers.

Why not just get the WiiM amp pro? One box to do it all..

 

[Head_Unit]

If you aren't happy with the sound:
1. add sub
2. add room correction

Yeah mon.

 

[Tovarich007]

Well it all depends on what you're looking for : conveniency, small format and integration with a quite decent quality and power, have a try with the Wiim amp pro, or better and just sightly more expensice, their upcoming more powerful integrated, planned to be released next month Vibelink Wiim integrated.
Class D is now very good and of course very efficient, and you can have a tiny nice liitle box instead of your big heavy Marantz.

BUT, I don't think any of these lovely Wiim amps (or Fosi, or Ayima, or others) will be better than your Marantz, which is a pretty good amp, and very solidly built. If you want to (slightly) improve the overall quality and buy a class D amp for its conveniency, better think about a Ncore or Purifi equipped amp, or maybe Icepower, Pascal, or a very good pro class D amp (Powersoft for instance).

As for integrated amp, you have this one for example, and it's full analog like your Marantz : https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/amplificateurs-integre/audiophonics-hpa-i450et-p-20478.html

 

[telemike]

I went with the Fosi V3 monos and WiiM Ultra.